History in the Making: Travelers can now fast-charge electric cars all the way to the North Shore

Grand Rapids, MN – The newest electric vehicle fast-charger, the charger that completes Minnesota’s all-electric highway from the Twin Cities to the North Shore, was unveiled Wednesday, Oct. 18, at 11:00 a.m. in Sturgeon Lake., Minn. Officials from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), ZEF Energy, Lake Country Power, Great River Energy and Doc’s Sports Bar & Grill, were on hand to cut the ribbon to mark the history-making occasion.

The fast-charging EV charger completes the link that allows travelers in electric vehicles to recharge quickly at various points along the way to the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. It also provides a convenient stop for EV owners while grabbing a bite to eat at Doc’s Sports Bar & Grill at Sturgeon Lake, just off Interstate 35.

ZEF Energy, the owner of the Level 3 DC fast charger, worked with the MPCA, GRE, LCP and Doc’s to complete the final EV charging link between Duluth and the Twin Cities. ZEF Energy has a fleet of fast chargers covering the I-35 corridor. This charging station provides electric car drivers with an important link on their travels along I-35 to and from the Twin Cities.

Lake Country Power offers an off-peak program for co-op members to charge their electric vehicles during overnight hours. The cooperative’s member service department will assist any interested member by signing them up for off-peak.

“As more Minnesotans make the switch to electric vehicles, I’m certain we’ll see even more charging stations pop up throughout the state to offer a convenient way to charge up,” said Jeff Sheldon, manager, energy services and business development for Lake Country Power. “Convenience is great, but the best deal around is when co-op members go on our off-peak program to charge their vehicle. When consumers charge during the overnight hours on off-peak, they’ll pay a reduced electric rate.”

Consumers should visit www.plugintomn.com for more information about charging stations in Minnesota, electric vehicles and a special sweepstakes to win a North Shore getaway in an EV. The sweepstakes ends October 31.

DC fast chargers offer drivers the fastest and most convenient charging option while traveling long distances.

Several EVs, including the Chevy Bolt, were on site for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Those interested were welcome to test drive the vehicles. Charging stations across the United States can also be found online at www.plugshare.com.

Lake Country Power, www.lakecountrypower.coop, is a Touchstone Energy® cooperative serving parts of eight counties in northeastern Minnesota. The rural electric cooperative provides services to nearly 43,000 members and has offices located in Grand Rapids, Kettle River and Mountain Iron.

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Photo: Pictured from left to right are…

Jeff Sheldon, manager of energy services & business development, LCP

Matthew Blackler, CEO of ZEF Energy

Fran Crotty, the electric vehicle state program administrator with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Jimmy Kroon, owner of Doc’s Sports Bar & Grill (cutting the ribbon)

David Ranallo, leader of marketing & member services at Great River Energy